I'm back home after a crazy day and night of traveling. It's lovely and mild today and just wonderful to be back w/ my dog, my boy, my fam!
Feeling a bit jet-lagged and promise to fill you all in on the adventures soon. In the meantime, go read THIS.
Believe me, you'll be reading much more about our team - doing things to help others and kicking some major arse!!
100% Natural (Insert Richard's "Go bigger" boob jokes here). 100% Nice. Baby!!
Friday, February 27, 2009
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Fin
"the world's a roller coaster and I am not strapped in, maybe I should hold with care, but my hands are in the air and I'm saying, 'I wish you were here'" - Incubus
Well, the campers have all left - another one in the books. The weather this year was fantastic for both camps - first 2 days were bit overcast, but then the sun shone on us for the duration of the camps!
This morning I said my goodbye's to Sean, Chuck, Ken and Jeff - holding onto the memories we've all made while here. You get to know people pretty well, living in close quarters and spending many hours on a bike. When the small talk falls away, you get a view of who people really are and it is a pleasure. Connecting with friends old and new on this trip will fuel me through my training for months to come. Of course, there are already plans in the works for Aubrey, Dikran and me to meet up for some rides in the Litchfield hills - Chuck and I will see eachother this weekend racing the Bethel Criterium and the others I will see during other adventures along the way.
Taking advantage of the quiet, I headed out on my bike for an easy ride. As I do every year, I try to find time to take it all in, one last time. The vast vistas - olive groves as far as you can see, dapper-dressed old men strolling along the road-side, couples enjoying the sunshine at an outdoor cafe, the flowers in bloom and the taste of an almond when picked from a tree in full bloom, cracking open the hard outer shell to reveal the delicious treat it holds.
I'm taking it all in and bringing this life, this light back with me. I find peace in movement and at that, in shared movement. I cannot wait to return next year with Sam and other friends to share the joy of this experience. To lay eyes on something from the perch of a bicycle is a unique feeling - and something that most of the population will never know or appreciate.
Ok, enough of this waxing philosophical on y'all. Time for a run and some more time in this glorious sunshine.
Well, the campers have all left - another one in the books. The weather this year was fantastic for both camps - first 2 days were bit overcast, but then the sun shone on us for the duration of the camps!
This morning I said my goodbye's to Sean, Chuck, Ken and Jeff - holding onto the memories we've all made while here. You get to know people pretty well, living in close quarters and spending many hours on a bike. When the small talk falls away, you get a view of who people really are and it is a pleasure. Connecting with friends old and new on this trip will fuel me through my training for months to come. Of course, there are already plans in the works for Aubrey, Dikran and me to meet up for some rides in the Litchfield hills - Chuck and I will see eachother this weekend racing the Bethel Criterium and the others I will see during other adventures along the way.
Taking advantage of the quiet, I headed out on my bike for an easy ride. As I do every year, I try to find time to take it all in, one last time. The vast vistas - olive groves as far as you can see, dapper-dressed old men strolling along the road-side, couples enjoying the sunshine at an outdoor cafe, the flowers in bloom and the taste of an almond when picked from a tree in full bloom, cracking open the hard outer shell to reveal the delicious treat it holds.
I'm taking it all in and bringing this life, this light back with me. I find peace in movement and at that, in shared movement. I cannot wait to return next year with Sam and other friends to share the joy of this experience. To lay eyes on something from the perch of a bicycle is a unique feeling - and something that most of the population will never know or appreciate.
Ok, enough of this waxing philosophical on y'all. Time for a run and some more time in this glorious sunshine.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Where in the World?
So by now you've all figured out I'm not in CT... not surrounded by over a foot of snow and negative temperatures. This afternoon after a "recovery" ride - it would have been recovery if the boys weren't "being boys" and actually slowed the pace down. Goodness! Good thing is, no matter how hard they make me go, I can always make conversation (even if it's just talking at people).
After what was meant to be an easy effort, we headed back to the villa - Richard (my roomie extraordinaire!) had to rush out to catch a flight home to Canada. A bit about Richard - we became fast buddies in St Croix last year - during the awards ceremony dinner, he leaned over and said "Mandy, you let me know when you're done with Triathlon and I'll get you a set of boobs - they're too heavy for competing". I nearly fell over laughing and ever since the offer, he's been one of my favorite people (side note: I'm quite happy with my modest helping of "boob-iage" as the boys refer to it).
Needless to say, Richard was constant entertainment and a real pleasure - the kind of person that wakes up happy, asks you how you are, and really intends to learn the answer. Not to say our other campers are chop suey, but it's always sad to say goodbye, especially after spending a month in close quarters with someone.
After Richard's departure, the remaining boys headed out for a hike and I took the opportunity to nap poolside in a bikini. mmmmm sun!! It wasn't 5 minutes later (when I found my comfiest position, of course) that Sean, Johnny English and Coach David showed up for a swim workout. Crazy Brits - I have trouble understanding them and most conversations consist of me getting the giggles at the mention of words like "skivvies".
I think David intentionally splashed during flip turns, but it was a bit too toasty in the sun, so I can't complain. He coaches a series of pro athletes around the world and it was a blast to do my favorite things all at once: 1. Enjoy the sunshine 2. Talk 3. Talk about triathlon/cycling/training/exercise It was a blast and he is a riot. What felt like 15 minutes was actually 2 hours of intensive training talks. Always great to get a different perspective and debate a bit. Also, I can't help it - I love gossip. Not spreading it, just learning what's happening. Yes, it's sick. Get over it.
Lying on the beach chair next to the pool, I had this little nagging voice in my head - well, not quite nagging, more of a "do this, or you'll get a swift kick in the arse" - and I think it was a deep baritone or bass. Say 6'2" and maybe about 200 lbs? Yup, Coach E had told me to do a run and at 5 PM, I finally peeled myself off the deck chair and suited up for a run that ended up being one of my most enjoyable.
The reward for getting in today's work? "girly-time" with Tracy (Andy's wife) - by the way, check out their website so you can see where I'm lounging, I mean training - www.idlebreaks.com
Cheers!
After what was meant to be an easy effort, we headed back to the villa - Richard (my roomie extraordinaire!) had to rush out to catch a flight home to Canada. A bit about Richard - we became fast buddies in St Croix last year - during the awards ceremony dinner, he leaned over and said "Mandy, you let me know when you're done with Triathlon and I'll get you a set of boobs - they're too heavy for competing". I nearly fell over laughing and ever since the offer, he's been one of my favorite people (side note: I'm quite happy with my modest helping of "boob-iage" as the boys refer to it).
Needless to say, Richard was constant entertainment and a real pleasure - the kind of person that wakes up happy, asks you how you are, and really intends to learn the answer. Not to say our other campers are chop suey, but it's always sad to say goodbye, especially after spending a month in close quarters with someone.
After Richard's departure, the remaining boys headed out for a hike and I took the opportunity to nap poolside in a bikini. mmmmm sun!! It wasn't 5 minutes later (when I found my comfiest position, of course) that Sean, Johnny English and Coach David showed up for a swim workout. Crazy Brits - I have trouble understanding them and most conversations consist of me getting the giggles at the mention of words like "skivvies".
I think David intentionally splashed during flip turns, but it was a bit too toasty in the sun, so I can't complain. He coaches a series of pro athletes around the world and it was a blast to do my favorite things all at once: 1. Enjoy the sunshine 2. Talk 3. Talk about triathlon/cycling/training/exercise It was a blast and he is a riot. What felt like 15 minutes was actually 2 hours of intensive training talks. Always great to get a different perspective and debate a bit. Also, I can't help it - I love gossip. Not spreading it, just learning what's happening. Yes, it's sick. Get over it.
Lying on the beach chair next to the pool, I had this little nagging voice in my head - well, not quite nagging, more of a "do this, or you'll get a swift kick in the arse" - and I think it was a deep baritone or bass. Say 6'2" and maybe about 200 lbs? Yup, Coach E had told me to do a run and at 5 PM, I finally peeled myself off the deck chair and suited up for a run that ended up being one of my most enjoyable.
The reward for getting in today's work? "girly-time" with Tracy (Andy's wife) - by the way, check out their website so you can see where I'm lounging, I mean training - www.idlebreaks.com
Cheers!
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Time Zone Craziness
So I'm in Spain (Today was another great day - 4 hour ride and a transition run in the sunshine) - have been for the past 19 days. Right now it is quarter past 6 (PM). Exactly 6 hours ahead of Connecticut time back home. All was well for the past few weeks - getting in phone calls and work without issue.
"Why am I talking about time differences now?", you might ask - good question. You see, I'm used to talking to my Sam-boy a fair amount. Yup, miss independent has found herself head-over-heels and well, downright in need of a little time w/ her man each day. He politely types back sweet responses to my inane babbling about rides and towns and types of fruit he's never seen. On Friday he headed West (young man) for a ski vacation (and I guess technically a visit to his younger brother - sorry Jer, but the skiing is pretty darn good and he loooooves snow). This trip to Wyoming now means he's an additional 3 hours behind - totally 9!
As I was about to get on bikes this AM, I counted backwards to see what time it was for the Dodger. Turns out it wasn't even dinner time in Wyoming!! Can't be upset for not chatting. He's been happy for me training here for three weeks, I'm just as (if not more) excited for him to be "shredding" (not sure I'm cool enough to use that term) it out West. Today was beautiful for me and hopefully it will be the same in Jackson Hole.
When I get home on Thursday, I'll be falling back in time, my boy will be leaping forward and I know we'll meet up just right, as always.
"Why am I talking about time differences now?", you might ask - good question. You see, I'm used to talking to my Sam-boy a fair amount. Yup, miss independent has found herself head-over-heels and well, downright in need of a little time w/ her man each day. He politely types back sweet responses to my inane babbling about rides and towns and types of fruit he's never seen. On Friday he headed West (young man) for a ski vacation (and I guess technically a visit to his younger brother - sorry Jer, but the skiing is pretty darn good and he loooooves snow). This trip to Wyoming now means he's an additional 3 hours behind - totally 9!
As I was about to get on bikes this AM, I counted backwards to see what time it was for the Dodger. Turns out it wasn't even dinner time in Wyoming!! Can't be upset for not chatting. He's been happy for me training here for three weeks, I'm just as (if not more) excited for him to be "shredding" (not sure I'm cool enough to use that term) it out West. Today was beautiful for me and hopefully it will be the same in Jackson Hole.
When I get home on Thursday, I'll be falling back in time, my boy will be leaping forward and I know we'll meet up just right, as always.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
It's a Wonderful Day in the Neighborhood
Just like Mr. Rogers sang, it is " a beautiful day in the neighborhood" - this neighborhood of course being the Sierra Nevada mountain range in Southern Spain.
Today was another epic day - a new route that Andy calls "The Kirkwood Express" - not sure why, but after spending a full month with 15 guys, anything that involves wood or phallic fruit is sure to have some secondary "guy" meaning. Looking forward to a girl's night out (after a night with my boyfriend, of course - let's make sure there's no mistake about priorities!!).
The ride today featured nearly 8k feet of climbing and was glorious - my favorite ride so far. Just the right balance of climbing gradients and descending - quiet, empty roads, spectacular views and BONUS - warm sunshine! I have the silliest tan at the moment - need to let the upper 1/2 of my face get some sun before I get home!
After the ride, I headed out for a short transition run - I brought my camera along and took pictures of the flowers in bloom.
Tonight we say farewell to one of our campers and Monday, I lose my roommate, Richard. Bummed to say goodbye and will definitely miss riding w/ these boys. It's a good thing I get in all this socializing because it's a solitary training road from here on out. I'll keep these new memories and experiences and let them fuel me thru the year. If I can climb these mountains, I can climb any hill back home.
As we drove home from the Pico de Veleta climb yesterday and I was just drifting off to sleep, a Wyclef song came on - the lyrics are all too perfect for those of us Ironman folks...
"See you have got to understand, I can't work a 9 to 5, so I'll be gone 'til November"
Today was another epic day - a new route that Andy calls "The Kirkwood Express" - not sure why, but after spending a full month with 15 guys, anything that involves wood or phallic fruit is sure to have some secondary "guy" meaning. Looking forward to a girl's night out (after a night with my boyfriend, of course - let's make sure there's no mistake about priorities!!).
The ride today featured nearly 8k feet of climbing and was glorious - my favorite ride so far. Just the right balance of climbing gradients and descending - quiet, empty roads, spectacular views and BONUS - warm sunshine! I have the silliest tan at the moment - need to let the upper 1/2 of my face get some sun before I get home!
After the ride, I headed out for a short transition run - I brought my camera along and took pictures of the flowers in bloom.
Tonight we say farewell to one of our campers and Monday, I lose my roommate, Richard. Bummed to say goodbye and will definitely miss riding w/ these boys. It's a good thing I get in all this socializing because it's a solitary training road from here on out. I'll keep these new memories and experiences and let them fuel me thru the year. If I can climb these mountains, I can climb any hill back home.
As we drove home from the Pico de Veleta climb yesterday and I was just drifting off to sleep, a Wyclef song came on - the lyrics are all too perfect for those of us Ironman folks...
"See you have got to understand, I can't work a 9 to 5, so I'll be gone 'til November"
Friday, February 20, 2009
Tired Pony
Goodness, sometimes I really think I should just get Twitter and send you all updates during the day. Big day again here - the Pico climb for group 2. I had strict directions again this time to "stay controlled" - with a distinctly low HR cap. This HR cap can be hard to keep when 1. I have a strong desire to be competitive and have to shut that off - "Race with ego, but train with none".
2. The climb averages about 15% and goes up to almost 27% in one part (according to Dr. Richard's crazy bike technology).
It was another epic day and one to remember for all. Records were broken (not by me) and on the car ride home we all napped. I headed out for a nice transition run before a massage tonight. Will have to post pictures of my favorite run route thru olive groves - usually better done earlier in the day. I went out at dusk and almost had a close encounter w/ a wild boar - made me miss my Luna-Lu (Great Danes were bred for Boar Hunting!).
A more exciting and hopefully picture-filled post will be on its way.
Until tomorrow!
2. The climb averages about 15% and goes up to almost 27% in one part (according to Dr. Richard's crazy bike technology).
It was another epic day and one to remember for all. Records were broken (not by me) and on the car ride home we all napped. I headed out for a nice transition run before a massage tonight. Will have to post pictures of my favorite run route thru olive groves - usually better done earlier in the day. I went out at dusk and almost had a close encounter w/ a wild boar - made me miss my Luna-Lu (Great Danes were bred for Boar Hunting!).
A more exciting and hopefully picture-filled post will be on its way.
Until tomorrow!
Thursday, February 19, 2009
The Adventure Continues
Greetings, Y'all! Sorry about missing yesterday - it was another glorious day here in Espana - sun shining and tans being augmented!
The day started off with Yoga/core, a 4-5 hour ride and then a run for me. Followed by the best thing ever - a nap in the sunshine, in my bikini. YAY!
Everyone was wiped last night and so we opted for a lighter day in the saddle today. A group of us rose early to get in a swim and then a quick ride. This afternoon we'll go to Antequera to drink coffee and watch the end of the Tour of Andalucia - a race Cadel Evans won last year (and a race that attracts a great deal of Euro talent).
I'll try to post pictures and such later.
In other news - Happy Birthday to my Momma Bear and to Richard here!!
The day started off with Yoga/core, a 4-5 hour ride and then a run for me. Followed by the best thing ever - a nap in the sunshine, in my bikini. YAY!
Everyone was wiped last night and so we opted for a lighter day in the saddle today. A group of us rose early to get in a swim and then a quick ride. This afternoon we'll go to Antequera to drink coffee and watch the end of the Tour of Andalucia - a race Cadel Evans won last year (and a race that attracts a great deal of Euro talent).
I'll try to post pictures and such later.
In other news - Happy Birthday to my Momma Bear and to Richard here!!
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